RFID system and method for tracking environmental data

ABSTRACT

A method and system for tracking a body&#39;s bio-readings and environmental information in which such bio-readings are generated is disclosed. Conventional bio-reading sensor technology may be used in combination with technology for receiving information from electronic tags associated with items in a body&#39;s environment. Such technology may include RFID smart tags associated with items in an environment. Such smart tags store information describing the item associated with the smart tag. An RFID smart tag reader may be provided for retrieving item description information stored in such smart tags. The combination of bio-reading data and environmental data provide a power tool in evaluating behavioral and environmental variables that affect a body&#39;s bio-readings.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

More than one reissue application has been filed for the reissue of Pat.No. 7,463,142. This patent application is a reissue continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/963,556, filed Dec. 8, 2010 (PatentRE44,408), which is an application for reissue of U.S. Pat. No.7,463,142, issued Dec. 9, 2008, all of which are incorporated herein byreference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to novel implementations of RadioFrequency Identification Device (RFID) technology for trackingenvironmental data describing the environment in which a body'sbio-readings are being monitored.

BACKGROUND

Advances in miniaturization technology have resulted in the developmentof increasingly small electronic devices for sensing a diverse array ofquantities. Similar advances in wireless communication technologiescombined with the increased popularity of interconnected computersystems, such as the Internet, provide the technology necessary to costeffectively transfer vast amounts of data between two or more computers.The combination of such technologies provide the ability to use smallbio-sensors to monitor and track a body's bio-readings as well as theactivity level and environmental conditions in which such bio-readingsare generated and to transfer such data between computers and computernetworks.

One area in particular where such technology is well suited is in themedical field. Monitoring and recording human bio-readings, humanactivity, as well as the environmental conditions in which such readingsare generated, can provide insight into the causes of certain medicalconditions. In addition, such monitoring may be used to determine theeffectiveness of medical treatments and to enhance the effectiveness ofsuch treatments. As a result, personalized human body monitoring deviceshave been developed.

Body monitoring devices have been developed that are said to have theability to measure a number of physiologic parameters (bio-readings)that allow health researchers and professionals, as well as individuals,to continuously and more accurately track physical activity and energyexpenditure. Such prior art systems are said to be able to accuratelymonitor heat flow, galvanic skin response, skin temperature, near bodyambient temperature, heart beat and transfer such data to a remotecomputer for analysis. Algorithms have also been developed said to becapable of integrating multiple physiological variables from developedsaid to be capable of integrating multiple physiological variables fromthe wearable sensor to predict calories burned, length in time ofexercise, number of steps taken, resting energy expenditure, activeenergy expenditure, sleep onset, wake time and sleep duration.

One problem with such prior art monitoring systems, however, is thatthese systems have a very limited ability to directly monitor and recordinformation about the environment in which a body's bio-readings arebeing monitored. For example, such systems may be able to record nearskin temperatures, air quality, sound quality (climatic data) and globalpositioning system data (geographical data); however, such prior artsystems do not have the ability to automatically record detailedinformation about items a body's environment in which bio-readings aregenerated.

It is well known that a person's environment, including items within anenvironment, can affect the person as well as the bio-readings of suchperson. Stated another way, recording the environmental parameters inwhich a person's bio-readings are generated puts such bio-readings incontext. A heart rate of 160 beats per minute may not be alarming when aperson is on a treadmill but such a heart rate might well be alarming ifthe person is in a bed sleeping. Tracking items within an environment(i.e. bed, treadmill, etc.) would provide the ability to determine whichof the above two situations applies to a particular set of monitoreddata.

Therefore, there is a need for monitoring systems that have the abilityto automatically track items within an environment in which bio-readingsare being generated.

Another problem with the previously described prior art systems is thatthey do not warn a user (a body being monitored) of an environmentalcondition that may pose a danger to the well being of the user. Forexample, everything electronic consumes electrical power and electricalpower is generated through the flow of electrical current. The flow ofelectrical current creates electromagnetic fields, and more importantly,stray electromagnetic fields (assuming imperfect shielding). Strayelectromagnetic fields can have an adverse influence on the operation ofelectronic equipment. For example, microwave ovens and electric drillscan generate strong electromagnetic fields that have been known to makepacemakers malfunction. Another example of a dangerous environment wouldbe a wet floor. The presence of a mop might indicate the possibility ofa wet floor. Such conditions can be particularly dangerous for thevisually impaired who do not have the ability to visually inspect anenvironment. Therefore, there is a need for a monitoring system and canmonitor environmental conditions and warn a person of a potentiallydangerous environment.

Thus, a need exists for an improved body and environment monitoringsystem that will address at least certain of the drawbacks andlimitations of conventional systems, and offer benefits not achievablewith the present systems.

SUMMARY

Objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in thefollowing description, or may be obvious from the description, or may belearned through practice of the invention.

The term “bio-sensor data” or “bio-sensor signals” refers generally tosensor data/signals relating to biological readings (bio-readings) for aphysiological parameter associated with an organism, such as the body ofa mammal. In some cases, bio-sensor data is representative of aphysiological parameter. In other cases, bio-sensor data is used by acomputing device to calculate data representative of a physiologicalparameter. Exemplary body parameters include vital signs, blood sugarlevel, skin resistance, etc. and, as noted above, may be monitoreddirectly through the appropriate sensor technology or may be derivedthrough mathematical calculations using bio-sensor data.

Broadly speaking, environmental data refers to data that describes anenvironment. An environment may be described using terms such astemperature, humidity, pressure, weather (climatological data). Anenvironment by be described by its location using geographical data suchas GPS data. The term environmental-data, as used herein, does notinclude geographical data or climatological data unless noted otherwise.

An environment may also be described by the items within suchenvironment. Exemplary environmental-data includes model numbers, serialnumbers, item descriptions, warning codes, EMI codes, etc. associatedwith items located in an environment. In addition, environmental-datamay include room codes, building codes, vehicle codes, etc. forstructures that may define the immediate boundaries of an environment.Such environmental-data may be stored in electronic tags associated withan item in an environment. Thus, as used herein, environmental-data issimply data that may be used to describe items in an environment or datathat is used to retrieve item descriptions. It should be noted that GPS(global positioning system) type-data that is stored in electronic tagsmay be considered environmental-data. While GPS type data stored inelectronic tags may provide the same information as GPS data derivedfrom satellite signals, electronic tag GPS data is fundamentallydifferent that GPS data derived from satellite signals.

As previously noted, measuring and recording a body's bio-readings aloneprovides only part of the picture as to the meaning of such data. Aproperly designed monitoring system according to aspects of the presentinvention will provide significant improvements to prior art monitoringsystems by also monitoring environmental conditions and providingdetailed environmental data relating to the environment in whichbio-readings are generated by a body.

One aspect of the present invention relates generally to novelimplementations of Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID)technology for providing environmental data that describes theenvironment in which a body's bio-readings are being monitored. RadioFrequency Identification Devices and associated systems are well suitedfor monitoring applications. RFID systems may include low-cost, passive“smart” chips or “tags” that can be embedded in or attached to items toconvey information about the item via a smart tag scanner/reader. Smarttags are generally small label-like devices with a micro-chip and aminiature embedded antenna. Such tags may be passive or active, theactive tags requiring an internal power supply. A reader/scannerinterrogates the smart tag with an electronic “trigger” signal. Thesmart tag in turn generates an electromagnetic pulse response that isreadable by the scanner, the response containing the item information.RFID smart tags can be embedded in or attached to an item's packaging,may be incorporated directly into the item, may be attached to walls,floors, doors, steps, etc. and may convey conventional “bar code”information, as well as other more detailed information.

The disclosed exemplary RFID technology and associated systems providethe ability to reliably and automatically obtain real-time informationabout individual items throughout a particular environment. Such datamay then be transferred to a display, a local computing device and/orremote computing device. Environmental data is ideally recordedsubstantially simultaneously with the generation and recording of abody's bio-readings.

Another benefit of one possible embodiment of the present inventionrelates to safety. A properly configured monitoring system provides theability to warn a body/user or remote computer of potential hazards suchas devices that can interfere with the proper operation of medicaldevices associated with a body. An RFID based environment trackingsystem can direct a person to an exit door in a smoke filled room or toa fire extinguisher that may be behind a nearby wall. Such functionalityis of particular importance for those with visual impairments who lackthe ability to visually examine an environment. A RFID based environmenttracking system according to one embodiment of the disclosed inventioncan even inform a visually impaired person how many steps she must walkup or down to reach the top or bottom of a staircase or that she justwalked past a door to a bathroom and give her the opportunity toelectronically mark the location of such bathroom.

Further benefits of tracking environmental data relate to detectingitems that can have an adverse affect on the accuracy of bio-readings.As previously noted, electromagnetic fields can have an adverse affecton the operation of electronic equipment. As electronics in general, andbio-sensors in particular, become smaller and smaller, they become moresusceptible to stray electromagnetic fields. When inaccuratebio-readings are suspected or detected, a user can access theenvironmental data for the time such bio-readings were taken and lookfor items that are likely suspects for generating stray electromagneticfields that could cause such spurious bio-reading data.

Even further benefits can be gained by linking a RFID base environmentmonitoring system to a computer network, such to as the Internet. Usingthe Internet in conjunction with the present invention allows a remoteparty to monitor the health and alertness of a user or group of users.For example, the blood alcohol content of a truck driver could bemonitored and/or a truck driver's environment could be monitored foralcoholic beverage containers, wherein such monitoring occurs remotelyand in real-time. In addition, a truck driver could be monitored foralertness. In addition, a properly configured monitoring systemaccording to aspects of the present invention can be used to trackgroups of bodies, such as workers and athletes.

Yet another benefit of one embodiment of the present invention relatesto issuing alerts to a remote party. For example, a person who falls andbreaks bones may become incapacitated or otherwise not be able requestassistance. Remote monitoring of a body's bio-readings alone may not besufficient to detect such a life threatening condition/situation.Through the monitoring of environmental data, however, the disclosedmonitoring system can be configured to provide the ability to detectsuch a life-threatening conditions and to timely dispatch emergencypersonnel to the user's location. Additionally, a user's environment,such as a medicine cabinet, may be quickly and remotely scanned formedication or other therapeutic/pharmaceutical remedies that could beadministered in emergency situations while waiting for help to arrive.

Still another benefit of one embodiment of the present invention relatesto the administration of therapeutic and/or pharmaceutical treatments.The monitoring system may be configured to transmit treatment signalsthat result in the administration of an insulin treatment, for example,when a body's blood sugar level exceeds a predefined level. Similarly, aroom's environmental controls may be adjusted in response to a body'stemperature data or a bed's positioning controls may be adjusted inresponse to body's pressure data or a timed schedule. The monitoringsystem may be additionally configured to scan the environment to obtainidentification information from the relevant treatment control systemsso that the monitoring system can automatically generate properlyconfigured treatment-signals. Such functionally may be of particularimportance, for example, in hospitals having numerous drug deliverysystems, bed positioning system and climate control systems.

In one related embodiment, the monitoring system can assist inpredicting impending release of body wastes, incorporating, for example,biosensor systems such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,407,308,titled: “Disposable Article Having Sensor to Detect ImpendingElimination of Bodily Waste,” and issued Jun. 18, 2002 to Roe et al.,and such patent is herein incorporated by reference to the extent it isnon-contradictory herewith. Such systems can be adapted for the benefitof people in hospitals, nursing homes, day care centers, or at home,including those struggling with incontinence or bed wetting problems Yetanother advantage of one embodiment of the present invention relates toaccumulating bio-reading reference data. Bio-reading reference data maycomprise body specific average values, peak values, minimum values, etc.as well as “average human” values. The body specific heart rate for aparticular human male may be 76 beats per minute as calculated over aperiod of time whereas the “average human” 42 year old male heart ratemay be 72 beats per minute. Such reference data may be presented to auser along with current bio-reading data and environmental data toenhance the understanding of current bio-reading data and the possibleinfluence the current environmental conditions may be having on a body.

In one particular embodiment of the present invention, a body andenvironment monitoring system comprises at least one bio-sensorassociated with a body and configured to generate signals representativeof at least one body-parameter (bio-reading). Examples ofbody-parameters may include body temperature, blood pressure, heartrate, blood sugar level, blood oxygen level, cholesterol level,respiration rate, hormone level (detection), galvanic skin response,EMG, EEG, EOG, body fat, hydration level, activity level, body position,UV radiation exposure and UV radiation absorption. A first computer isassociated with the body and is configured to retrieve sensor-data fromat least one bio-sensor. In addition, at least one electronic tagscanning device is provided for retrieving information from electronictags associated with items in the surrounding environment. One possibleembodiment of an electronic tag scanning device is an RFID STR deviceand one possible electronic tag is an RFID smart tag. The electronic tagscanning device may be configured to scan the environment around a bodyand retrieve at least part of the information stored in electronic tagswithin communication range of the electronic tag scanning device therebyobtaining environmental-data. Exemplary environmental-data includes anitem identification number, item model number, warning code, EMI Code,room code, floor code, building code, vehicle code, meal code andnutrition code.

The first computer may be further configured to process sensor-datagenerated by bio-sensors and to automatically generate treatment-signalswhen such sensor-data indicates that a body-parameter meets predefinedcriteria. For example, the first computer may monitor a body's bloodsugar level and generate treatment-signals that instruct a drug deliverysystem to administer an insulin injection when a blood sugar levelexceeds a predefined level.

The at least one electronic tag scanning device may be furtherconfigured to communicate with the first computer and to transfer atleast part of the received environmental-data to the first computer. Thefirst computer may compare such environmental-data to a list ofequipment known to be dangerous to the body being monitored (or known tobe dangerous to bodies in general) and issue a warning to the body(user) and/or a remote computer when a dangerous item has been detected.Exemplary warning messages include a beep, text message, voice messageand flashing light. Alternatively, a user may have a list of items hewishes to track and be notified when such items are detected in hisenvironment.

The present embodiment may also comprise a user display configured todisplay at least part of the processed and/or unprocessed sensor-dataand environmental-data. The displayed sensor-data may represent anycombination of real-time data, average-data, high-peak data, low-peakdata, etc., where average-data, high-peak data and low-peak data areexamples of reference data. Average person data (described in detaillater) may also be displayed. The display may comprise a personaldigital assistant, a watch, a LCD screen or any other suitable displaydevice associated with the system. Such display may be in wired and/orwireless communication with either or both of the first computer andelectronic tag scanning device depending on the system configurationdesired.

The first computer may also be in communication with a local areanetwork (LAN) such as an intranet or a wide area network (WAN) such asthe Internet. Through such communications mediums, sensor data andenvironmental data can be transferred to remote computers and monitoredin real-time by a human or a computer executing a monitoring program.

In yet another embodiment of a monitoring system according to aspects ofthe present invention, at least one electronic tag scanning device isassociated with a body, wherein the at least one electronic tag scanningdevice is configured to listen for electronic tag signal transmissionscomprising environmental-data. Such electronic tag scanning device maybe attached to a body, mounted on a body or carried by a body. Theelectronic tag scanning device may be further configured to transmit anelectronic tag trigger signal when a predefined amount of time elapseswith no valid electronic tag transmissions being detected. Theelectronic tag scanning device may also be configured to transmit anelectronic tag trigger signal according to transmit-criteria where saidtransmit-criteria is at least one member from the group consisting of:(1) periodically at set intervals; (2) periodically at random intervals;(3) upon manual request by a user; and (4) automatic request issued by acomputer.

The electronic tag scanning device may be an RFID STR device and theelectronic tag may be an RFID smart tag. The electronic tag scanningdevice may be in communication with a remote computer and may transferat least part of the environmental-data to such remote computer.

The system may issue a warning message to the user and/or a remotecomputer when environmental-data received from electronic tags meetspredefined warning-criteria. The monitoring system may further comprisea display that may be configured to display information received form atleast one of said electronic tag scanning device and said remotecomputer and wherein said display may be further configured to displayat least one of said environmental data and said warning message.

The monitoring system may further comprise a computer configured toretrieve sensor-data from at least one bio-sensor associated with abody. Such computer may be a Bio-Reading & Environmental Monitor (BREM)computer configured to automatically generate treatment-signals when asensor-data indicates that a monitored body-parameter meets predefinedtreatment-criteria.

A still further embodiment of a body monitoring system according tocertain aspects of the present invention comprises a first computeradapted to either mount on a body, attach to a body or be carried by abody. Such first computer may be configured to retrieve sensor-data fromat least one bio-sensor associated with a body wherein said bio-sensoris configured to generate sensor-data for at least one body-parameter.The first computer may be further configured to generatetreatment-signals and to transmit such treatment-signals to a treatmentcontrol system when the first computer determines that a body-parametermeets predefined treatment criteria. The first computer may beconfigured to automatically determine the proper treatment-signal formatnecessary to cause a control system to administer the appropriatetreatment. Such auto-configuration function may be based at least inpart on treatment-control-system-information retrieved from saidtreatment control system via wireless technology such as Wi-Fi orBluetooth.

The body monitoring system may further comprise at least one electronictag scanning device configured to retrieve information stored inelectronic tags associated with items in an environment. Such electronictag scanning device may be configured to communicate with the firstcomputer, wherein the electronic tag scanning device may be configuredto scan an environment and to retrieve at least part of the informationstored in an electronic tag associated with a treatment control systemthereby obtaining treatment-control-system-information. Suchtreatment-control-system-information may be used by said first computerwhen performing the above-described auto-configuration function.

Still further embodiments of the present invention relate tomethodologies for tracking environmental-data comprising the steps ofconfiguring an electronic tag scanning device to listen for electronictag transmissions and transmitting a trigger signal when noelectronic-tag transmissions are received during a predefined period oftime. The trigger signal is configured to cause electronic tags togenerate electronic-tag transmissions wherein such transmissionscomprise environmental-data. The trigger signal may also be transmittedaccording to predefined transmit-criteria. Exemplary transmit-criteriamay include any combination of: (1) periodically at set intervals; (2)periodically at random intervals; (3) upon manual request by a user; and(4) automatic request issued by a computer. The receivedenvironmental-data may be stored in timed-stamped memory and initiallyclassified as untracked data pending evaluation. Such environmental-datamay then be evaluated to determine if said environmental-data should bereclassified as tracked data.

Still further embodiments of the present invention relate tomethodologies for monitoring items in an environment comprising thesteps of obtaining environmental-data from electronic tags associatedwith items in a user's environment. Next, warning-criteria may beaccessed and compared to the environmental-data. If theenvironmental-data describes an item that is consistent with an itemdescription provided by the warning-criteria, a warning message may beissued to a user. The warning message may be at least one member fromthe group consisting of: (1) a beep; (2) an voice message; (3) aflashing light; (4) a message displayed on a display; (5) a vibration orother tactile signal, and (6) a message printed in Braille. The warningmessage may include: (1) a description of the item; (2) the location ofthe item; and (3) a description of the warning.

Additional embodiments of the present subject matter may include andincorporate various combinations of aspects, features, or partsreferenced in the summarized objectives above, and/or features orcomponents as otherwise discussed in this application.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will better appreciate the featuresand aspects of such embodiments, and others, upon review of theremainder of the specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling description of the present subject matter, includingthe best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, isset forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appendedfigures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustration of an exemplary bio-reading andenvironment monitoring system in accordance with one possible embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustration of an exemplary bio-reading andenvironment monitoring system in accordance with alternative embodimentsof the invention;

FIG. 3 is a graphic illustration of an exemplary environment containingitems associated with electronic tags and an exemplary body withassociated bio-reading and environment monitoring system; and

FIG. 4 is a logical flow chart of an exemplary Environmental-dataroutine according to the invention;

FIG. 5 is a logical flow chart of an exemplary Environmental-dataEvaluation routine according to the invention;

FIG. 6 is a logical flow chart of an exemplary Item-Warning routineaccording to the invention;

FIG. 7 is a logical flow chart of an exemplary BREM-alert routineaccording to the invention;

FIG. 8 is a logical flow chart of an exemplary Auto-Configurationroutine according to the invention.

Repeat use of reference characters throughout the present specificationand appended drawings is intended to represent same or analogousfeatures or elements of the present technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to one or more embodiments of theinvention, examples of which are graphically illustrated in thedrawings. Each example and embodiment are provided by way of explanationof the invention, and not meant as a limitation of the invention. Forexample, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment maybe utilized with another embodiment to yield still a further embodiment.It is intended that the present invention include these and othermodifications and variations.

FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are block diagram illustrations of exemplarybio-reading and environment monitoring systems in accordance withexemplary embodiments of the present invention. System 10 depictsexemplary BREM 12 configuration and system 11 depicts BREM 14 and BREM16 configurations. For BREM 12, BREM computer 18, radio frequencyidentification (RFID) smart tag reader (STR) and display 22 are separatecomponents. For BREM 14, BREM computer 18 and RFID STR 20 have beenintegrated into one component, BREM/STR 24. For BREM 16, BREM computer18, RFID STR 20 and display 22 have been integrated into one component,BREM/STR/Display 28. The attributes of the exemplary components of BREM12 will be discussed below, however, it should be appreciated that theremarks relating to the individual components of BREM 12 also generallyrelated to the integral components of BREM 14 and BREM 16.

BRME 12 comprises an exemplary BREM computer 18, electronic tag scanner20, bio-sensors 23 and display 22. BREM computer 18 may be associatedwith a body and may be configured to communicate with electronic tagscanner 20, display 22 and bio-sensors 23 through wired or wirelesscommunications links 21a, 27 and 25 respectively. Exemplary wirelesstechnologies are well known in the art and may include technologies suchas Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

Bio-sensors are generally defined as devices configured to generatedsignals related to biological readings (bio-readings) for physiologicalparameters associated with an organism, such as a human. In some cases,unprocessed bio-sensor data is representative of a physiologicalparameter. In other cases, bio-sensor data is used by a computing deviceto calculate data representative of a physiological parameter. Themonitored body may be the body of any mammal; however, in thedescriptions presented below, the body will be a human body.

Exemplary body parameters may include any combination of (1) bodytemperature; (2) blood pressure; (3) heart rate; (4) blood sugar level;(5) blood oxygen level; (6) cholesterol level; (7) respiration rate; (8)hormone level; (9) galvanic skin response; (10) EMG; (11) EEG; (12) EOG;(13) body fat; (14) hydration level (15) activity level; (16) bodyposition; (17) UV radiation exposure; and (18) UV radiation absorption.BREM computer 18 may be configured to process bio-sensor data locallyand to transfer/transmit processed or unprocessed sensor data to display22 through communication link 27.

BRME computer 18 may be further configured to communicate with remotecomputer 36 through wired or wireless communication link(s), such aslink 32, link 29 and link 38. Communication link 29 may be a typicalLocal Area Network (LAN) connection and hardware necessary to complete acommunication connection between multiple devices. Such technology iswell known by those of ordinary skill in the art. Remote computer 36 isconnected to communication link 29 through communication link 38.Alternatively, BREM computer 18 may communicate directly with remotecomputer 36.

Remote computer 36 may be configured to store bio-sensor data andenvironmental-data in database 40. In addition, BREM computer 18 mayreceive processed bio-sensor data and environmental-data from remotecomputer 36 and transfer such data to display 22. Ideally, thecomponents of BREM 12 may be reprogrammed and receive firmware updatesand have features activated and features blocked using any properlyconfigured computing device connected to communications link 29.Alternatively, BREM 12 may provide an interface port for directlyconnecting to external programming devices. Such interface ports arewell known in the art. Exemplary interface ports include USB, infrared,serial, parallel, firewire or any other suitable port.

BREM computer 18 may be additionally configured to accumulate referencedata. Exemplary reference data may include average values, peak values,minimum values as well as other statistical data such as standarddeviations and data relating to the quintessential “average human”. Suchreference data would ideally be displayed along with environmental-dataas well as real-time bio-sensor data for a particular body parametersuch as heart rate. Thus, one purpose of presenting referencebio-reading data, environmental-data and real-time bio-reading data isto give the user of BREM 12 a reference by which current bio-sensor datamay be compared thereby supplying added insight as to the meaning of thecurrent bio-sensor data with the goal of preventing catastrophic healthevents before they happen.

To help explain the function of reference data, consider the followingexample relating to blood pressure. Assume a user is given a real-timeblood pressure reading of 145/87. Such a blood pressure reading alonetells a user no more than his current blood pressure. Now suppose a useris presented with reference data long with his real-time blood pressurereading. For example, suppose display 22 presents the following to theuser: (1) 1-year average blood pressure: 120/70; (2) 6-month average:125/75; (3) 3-month average: 135/80; (4) 1-week average: 140/85; and (5)current reading: 145/87. Such data indicates an alarming trend inincreased blood pressure readings over the last year and would likelymotivate a user to seek a medical evaluation to determine the cause ofsuch readings. Such a medical evaluation may be greatly enhanced ifenvironmental-data recorded contemporaneously with such blood pressuredata were available for evaluation.

One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that displayingreference data in conjunction with current sensor data andenvironmental-data provides a powerful tool for physicians in treatingpatents. For example, many patents become apprehensive when visiting adoctor's office (“white coat syndrome”). Such apprehension may causeelevated blood-pressure levels each time a patient undergoes a medicalexam. Under such conditions, and without access to both reference dataand environmental-data, a physician may unnecessarily treat a patent forhypertension.

BREM computer 18 may accumulate reference data in a number of differentways in accordance with the present invention. Reference data may bebody specific where such data is accumulated and/or processed locally byBREM computer 18 using bio-sensors 23. For example, a particular body'sheart rate may be measured for a period of time and an average valuecalculated and stored for later use. BREM computer 18 may also transferbio-sensor data to a remote computer, such as remote computer 36. Theremote computer may process such data and calculate the requiredreference data and transfer such reference data back to BREM computer18.

Reference data may also be “average human” reference data (previouslydescribed) relating to the average values of human bodies in general.BREM computer 18 may access a remote database containing “average human”reference data. Alternatively, reference data may be stored in a localmemory.

Still referring to FIG. 1, one possible embodiment of electronic tagreader 20 for retrieving and/or receiving information from electronictags associated with items in an environment is an RFID electronic tagscanner/reader (RFID STR). Electronic tag scanner 20 will be referred toas RFID STR 20 in the following discussion. Electronic tags are devicesassociated with items in an environment and configured to store andtransmit information about their associated items. Such RFID STR andsmart tag technology will be discussed more thoroughly later. Theinformation contained in such electronic tags may be defined asenvironmental-data. For example, environmental-data may include anycombination of: (1) EMI Code; (2) item identification number; (3) itemmodel number; (4) warning code; (5) room code; (6) floor code; (7)building code; (8) vehicle code; (9) meal code; (10) nutrition code. Forexample, a “floor code” may simply be a number, such as 15, perhapsindicating a body is on the 15^(th) floor of a building.

RFID STR 20 may be of conventional design and may be configured tointerrogate and retrieve information from electronic tags, such as RFIDsmart tags 52, shown in FIG. 3. RFID STR 20 may, for example, comprisean RF transmitter and receiver and an antenna to communicate with RFIDtransponders. RFID STR 20 may include a microprocessor and softwareprograms for this purpose. Exemplary readers include Martics® AdvancedReaders manufactured by Matrics, Inc. (Columbia, Md.), Alien Technology(Morgan Hill, Calif.), or Philips Semiconductor (Eindhoven, TheNetherlands). Another example of an RFID STR device is an RFID readermanufactured by Antenova Ltd. (Cambridge, England) or Bancolini B30handheld RFID Scanner manufactured by Bancolini (Bologna, Itally).

It should be appreciated that exemplary BREM 12 is intended to be aportable device worn by a body, such as human body. In such anapplication BREM 12 is ideally designed to be as convenient andcomfortable to wear as possible. Such a design goal would typicallynecessitate a small, light weight design having minimal energyconsumption. One design possibility would be to make RFID STR 20 asimple “listener” for receiving RFID smart tag transmissions. For such aconfiguration, BREM 12 would depend on remote (remote from BREM 12) RFIDtransmitters to supply the transmission signals (energy source) requiredto trigger RFID tag transmissions. Similarly, active RFID tagsconfigured to periodically or continuously transmit a smart tag signalmay be used.

Another low energy RFID STR 20 design may comprise an electronic deviceconfigured to first listen for RFID smart tag transmissions. If a RFIDtransmitter is in the area and transmitting a trigger signal, there maybe no need for RFID STR 20 to transmit a trigger signal. If, however, notransmissions are detected within a predefined amount of time, RFID STR20 may transmit a trigger signal to trigger transmissions from any RFIDsmart tag within range of the RFID STR 20 device. Additionally, RFID STR20 may be configured to only transmit a trigger signal based onpredefined transmit criteria. Such transmit criteria would ideally beuser programmable and/or selectable and may include any combination of:(1) transmitting a trigger signal after a predefined amount of timeelapses without receiving a valid electronic tag transmission; (2)transmitting a trigger signal periodically at set intervals; (3)transmitting a trigger signal periodically at random intervals; (4)transmitting a trigger signal upon manual request by a user; and (5)transmitting a trigger signal upon request transmitted by a remotecomputer.

In regard to transmit criteria (5) describe above, one exemplary remotecomputer is remote computer 36. Remote computer 36 may be configured,for example, to detect when environmental-data received by RFID STR 20has been transmitted by only active RFID tags (described in more detaillater). Under such conditions remote computer 36 may be configured toautomatically request RFID STR 20 to transmit a trigger signal todetermine if passive RFID tags are in the user's environment.

Alternatively, BREM 12 may have a manual mode of option where BREM 12only transmits RFID Smart tag trigger signals upon a user request. Forexample, a user may issue a manual request to scan an environment bypushing a button associated with BREM 12. BREM 12 would respond bytransmitting a RFID smart tag trigger signal and processing receivedRFID smart tag transmissions containing environmental-data. BREM 12 mayadditionally be configured with audio and/or video recordingcapabilities. Such a configuration may further include voice recognitiontechnology. With such a BREM 12 configuration, a user may orallydescribe the environment or current activity. For example, a user mayactivate the BREM 12 audio record feature and state the following: “I amwalking up a set of stairs”. Such audio data would ideally be recordedin timed stamped memory (such as memory 17 or database 40) so that itmay be accurately associated with environmental-data and bio-senor datataken contemporaneously with the audio recording.

RFID STR 20 may be further configured to communicate with display 22 andBREM computer 18 through wired or wireless communication links 21b and21a respectively. Through such communication connections RFID STR 20 maysend environmental-data to computer 18 and/or display 22. BREM computer18 may process such environmental-data and may transmit processed and/orunprocessed environmental-data to remote computer 36. BREM computer 18may also transmit any processed or unprocessed data to display 22.

Display 22 may comprise a number of display technologies. Exemplarydisplay technologies may include any combination of: (a) a personaldigital assistant; (b) a watch with an LCD display; (c) a watch with asegmented display; (d) an LCD display; (e) video-enabled glasses; (f)video-enabled goggles; (g) video-enabled helmets; (h) a video-enabledroom; and (i) video-enabled transparent surface. One possible embodimentof a body wearable information processing terminal device is disclosedby Kita in U.S. Pat. No. 6,619,835 and such reference is incorporatedherein by reference for all purposes. Exemplary virtual reality displaysinclude systems by VR Jugger™, eGlass II™ Personal Viewer (heads-updisplay technology) manufactured by Virtual Vision, Inc., or AV-1, BV-3,SV-3, SV-9, EG-7 and CV-1 viewers manufactured by MicroOpticalCorporation. Technology for displaying information on a windshield orother transparent surface in front of a user is disclosed byStringfellow in U.S. Pat. No. 6,359,737 and such patent is herebyincorporated by reference for all purposes.

In one embodiment of the display 22, one or more screens in one or morerooms are provided as virtual reality display devices to provide datavisualization of multiple physiological parameters (bio-readings) aswell as environmental-data. A user may wear virtual reality goggleswhile exercising in a virtual reality “cave” having a plurality of wallscapable of providing electronic images of bio-readings, reference dataand environmental data. In another embodiment of the display 22, aheads-up data display may be provided that can present key biologicalparameters (bio-readings) such as pulse rate, average pulse rate, peakpulse rate, for example, as well as rich data environments such asvirtual reality displays of three-dimensional or higher-dimensionalrepresentations of the information from the user. For example,statistics, charts, or 3-D data displays may be provided viadisplayed-enabled sunglasses, glasses, helmets, facemasks, goggles,driver's masks, and the like. Such technology is disclosed in U.S. Pat.No. 6,356,392 issued to Spitzer; U.S. Pat. No. 6,160,666 issued toRallison et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,903,396 issued to Rallison; U.S. Pat.No. 6,157,291 issued to Kuenster et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,886,822 issuedto Spitzer; U.S. Pat. No. 5,208,617 issued to Schwartz; and U.S. Pat.No. 4,867,551 issued to Perera and such patents are hereby incorporatedby reference for all purposes.

BREM computer 18 may be further configured to monitor bio-sensor dataand environmental-data and issue a BREM-alert when at least one of themonitored data sources meets predefined BREM-alert-criteria. ABREM-alert may be used to alert a remote party that a BREM 12 system hasrecorded certain predefined environmental-data and/or bio-senor data. ABREM-alert may be use for any reason but is ideally suited for providingemergency alerts. For example, elderly persons are prone to break bonesin a fall. Should such a fall occur the injured person may not be ableto request medical assistance. In additional, bio-readings alone may notbe sufficient to indicate such an emergency situation exists. However,environment-data would likely indicate that a person's location hasremained fixed for a prolonged period of time. For example, should aperson's environmental-data indicate that the person is near anautomobile in a garage outside a house, and such location has remainedconstant for a predefined period of time, such environment-data maysuggest an injury. For such an example, the BREM-alert-criteria may bethe amount of time a person's location remains substantially constant.Upon detecting such a condition, BREM computer 18 may be configured tocall for emergency medical treatment and transmit the user's location toemergency personnel. Before transmitting a BREM-alert, however, BREMcomputer 18 would ideally notify the user that a BREM-alert transmissionis pending and give the user an opportunity to cancel such BREM-alert.Such may be accomplished via a timed warning message.

BREM 12 may also be configured to issue warning messages whenenvironmental-data is detected that meets predefined warning-criteria.Such a warning message may be issued to the BREM 12 user and/or to aremote party. For example, a person having a pacemaker may have a knownlist of electronic items that should be avoided. Similarly, a mop or awet floor sign may indicate a wet and perhaps slippery floor condition.Even the most observant of people may not be aware of all items in aparticular environment or may be distracted and fail to notice possiblehazardous conditions. In addition, visually impaired people may not havethe ability to visually inspect an environment for potentially hazardousconditions. BREM computer 18, Remote Computer 36 or some other computerassociated with RFID STR 20 may be configured to compareenvironmental-data with a list of items that should be avoided or thatmay indicate a hazardous condition. When environmental-data is detectedthat indicates the user is near a hazardous item, RFID STR 20, a remotecomputer or BREM computer 18 may issue a warning message to the user.Such a warning message may be, for example, a beep, an audio voicemessage, a flashing light, a message displayed on display 22, a tactilesignal such as a vibrating alarm, and a message printed out in Braille.Ideally, electronic tags, perhaps containing a warning code, would beassociated with items such as microwave ovens, mops, wet floor signs,etc., by the BREM 12 user, the manufacture of the item, or persons incontrol of the environment, such as an employee of a hospital where theenvironment is a hospital.

Similarly, a user may be warned of a device that may affect the accuracyof bio-sensor data and wireless communications. Ideally, electronic tagsprogrammed with an EMI (electromagnetic interference) code would beassociated with items that are known to emit strong electronic fields.In the alternative, RFID STR 20, Remote Computer 36 and/or BREM computer18 may compare environmental-data (such as model numbers) retrieved fromsmart tags associated with items in an environment with “stored data” ina memory (a list stored in a database associated with remote computer 36is one example). Such “stored data” would ideally correspond to itemsknown to radiate strong electronic magnetic fields. Whenenvironment-data is detected that indicates the existence of EMI hostiledevices, the user could be warned to check BREM 12 for proper operationand/or BERM 12 could perform a self calibration and warn the user ofimproper operation.

BREM 12 may also be configured to communicate with treatment controlsystems. Exemplary treatment control systems may include pharmaceuticalcontrol systems (an insulin injection system is one example) andtherapeutic control systems (air conditioning/heating systems or climatecontrol systems, heating pad, localized cooling system, bed positioningcontrol systems are examples). BREM 12 communicates with such controlsystems by generating treatment-signals. Treatment-signals are simplycommands coded in electronic format that tell a control system whataction to perform. Such treatment-signals may be generated by BREMcomputer 18 and transmitted to pharmaceutical treatment control 41and/or therapeutic treatment control 43 through a wired or wirelesscommunication link 41a and 43a.

Such treatment-signals may be generated in response to bio-sensor datataken from a body being monitored as well as environmental-datadescribing the environment in which such bio-sensor data are beinggenerated. Exemplary therapeutic treatments may include any combinationof: (1) heating a body region, (2) cooling a body region, (3)modification of humidity levels, (4) adjustment of room temperature, (5)alteration of the position of a bed. One exemplary pharmaceuticaltreatment would be insulin injections from a portable drug deliverysystem associated with a body. Such insulin injections may beadministered based on bio-sensor data that indicates, for example, thata body's glucose level has exceeded a predefined level. Portable drugdelivery systems are well known by those of ordinary skill in the art.

One of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the each brand andtype of treatment control system may have unique “command” sets, uniquetreatment-signal format requirements as well as different communicationprotocol requirements. Restated, each treatment control system is likelyto have its own set of specialized commands that only it recognizes.First, a command set is simply a set of commands that tells a devicewhat action to perform. Second, format requirements may be consideredthe “syntax” of a message (i.e. the way the commands need to bearranged). Third, communication protocol requirements are simply a setof detailed rules, sequences, message formats, and procedures thatcomputer systems use and understand when exchanging data with eachother.

For example, treatment-signal “inj 10 cc X;” includes four command codesin an exemplary syntax. For such exemplary treatment signal, command 1,“inj”, means inject, command 2, “10”, is the number 10, command 3, “cc”,is a unit of measure (cubic centimeters in this example) and command 4,“X”, is the substance to be injected (i.e. insulin). For such anexample, “inj 10 cc X;” simply means “inject 10 cubic centimeters ofsubstance X”. The “syntax” requirement is to list: (a) the action first,(b) the amount second, (c) the units third and (d) the substance to beinjected forth, with all commands separated by a space and the commandstring ending with a semicolon. The communications protocol may simplybe the proper protocol for sending a message, such as the protocol forsending a wireless message using Wi-Fi technology or any other wellknown communication protocol.

Such treatment-signal formatting routines may be incorporated in adriver program. Generally speaking, a control system driver program is adevice specific program that acts like a translator between the deviceand other programs that use the device. As noted above, each treatmentsystem controller is likely to have its own set of specialized commandsthat only it recognizes. To allow BREM 12 to use generic commands, adriver program may be used that accepts generic commands from a BREMprogram and then translates them into specialized commands for thetreatment control system. Such a program would ideally be automaticallyuploaded into a BREM 12 computer (using environmental-data as describedbelow) and used to format and transmit treatment-signals.

BREM 12 is ideally configured to automatically determine (hereafterreferred to as auto-configuration) (1) the type and/or brand oftreatment control system(s) to be used and (2) the command, syntax andprotocol requirements (or driver file) needed to communicated with suchtreatment control system(s). The value of the auto-configurationfunction may be best explained by way of example. Consider a standarduniversal infra-red television remote control. Anyone who has had theopportunity to program a universal remote control to operate aparticular television will appreciate the tedious and sometimes complexnature of such an exercise. If the universal remote control isconfigured incorrectly, an incorrectly formatted infra-red signal issent to the television resulting in improper operation. For such anexample, the TV may not operate or may jump to the wrong channel.Similarly, should a treatment control system receive improperlyformatted treatment-signals (control signals), the treatment controlsystem may not work, or perhaps even worse, may provide the wrongtreatment.

The BREM computer 18 may communicate with an external control systemthrough communication link 29 and request control system identificationinformation. Alternatively, the BREM 12 auto-configuration function maybe accomplished using environmental-data retrieved by RFID STR 20. RFIDSTR 20 may be configured to retrieve product information from electronictags associated with pharmaceutical treatment control 41 and/ortherapeutic treatment control 43 to obtain, for example, model numberinformation. BREM computer 18 could then use such identificationinformation to request auto-configuration information from a remotecomputer. Such auto-configuration information may be in the form of atreatment-system-controller driver program. Alternatively, BREM computer18 could download/transfer information from a local memory, such as anEEPROM memory 17, which stores auto-configuration information for aplurality of control systems. With such information, BREM computer 18can perform an automatic configuration function that assures properlyformatted treatment-signals.

For example, assume that BREM computer 18, using RFID STR 20, retrievesthe model number for bed controller X near the body associated with BREM12. BREM computer 18 may access database 40 and use such model numberinformation to retrieve and install a bed controller X driver program.When BREM computer 18 determines that the bed position should bechanged, BREM computer 18 may use such driver program to formattreatment-signals that are transmitted to bed controller X.

Referring now to FIG. 2, BREM/BRM systems may also be used to monitor aplurality of bodies. BRM systems are systems that do not include anelectronic tag scanning device (although only BREM systems are depictedin FIG. 2). BREM/BRM systems may be associated, for example, withmembers of a football team. Such functionality provides coaches as wellas fans with the ability to track the physical condition of playersduring games. During a game, fans and coaches may find the fatiguelevel, as indicated by heart rate, of particular importance. On a hotsummer day, the hydration level of a player may be of particularimportance to a coach. To facilitate remote access to a plurality ofBREM/BRM systems, a networking system, such as a local area network(LAN) shown in FIG. 2 may be utilized. In such an exemplary embodiment,BREM/BRM system 11 may incorporate a TCP/IP protocol suite and an HTTP(HyperText Transfer Protocol) server to provide two-way access to theBREM/BRM system data. Such TCP/IP protocols and HTTP server technologyare well known in the art.

For such an embodiment, the BREM systems 14 and 16 may include an HTTPserver and a TCP/IP protocol stack. Alternatively, an HTTP server and aTCP/IP protocol stack may be included in LAN computer 102. Such aconfiguration would eliminate the need to include an HTTP server in eachBREM system. Communication link 29 may comprise a gateway 100 whichenables continuous remote access to BREM/BRM system devices.Alternatively, such gateway may be incorporated in LAN computer 102. Agateway is generally defined as an electronic device that connects twootherwise incompatible systems; however, a gateway may simply be aconnection between two compatible systems.

The TCP/IP protocol suite may be incorporated into gateway 100 servingmultiple BREM/BRM systems via a wired or wireless two-way network.Gateway 100 may also incorporate an HTTP server for accessing data frommultiple BREM/BRM devices and for transmission of data to individualBREM/BRM devices.

In the above described TCP/IP enabled BREM and BRM systems,communications link 38a provides access to a first network operating inaccordance with a predetermined protocol (TCP/IP is one example). Aplurality of BREM and/or BRM devices may comprise a second network, suchas a LAN. In FIG. 2, the second network comprises LAN Central Computer102 is connected to a plurality of BREM devices, BREM 14 and BREM 16. Agateway 100 operatively couples the first network to the second network.Finally, an HTTP server is embedded in either the gateway 100, LANCentral Computer 102 or the plurality of BREM/BRM devices facilitatingthe transfer of data between the two networks. Additionally, gateway 100may be incorporated into LAN Central Computer 102.

Such technology is fully disclosed by Ardalan et al. in U.S. Pat. No.6,363,057 for use in a system for communicating with electricity meters,which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.

With such a configuration, one of ordinary skill in the art willappreciate that individual BREM/BRM devices or groups of BREM/BRMdevices may be accessed as if the devices were a web site and theirinformation could be displayed on a web browser. Remote computer 36 maybe, for example, a computer owned by a fan watching a football game ontelevision where remote computer 36 is configured to display bio-readinginformation for selected players in the game. Additionally, using such aBREM system, a fan could request RFID STR 20 to scan a player todetermine the type and brand of equipment the player is using.Bio-reading data and environmental-data could be displayed on atelevision screen viewable by anyone watching the game.

Referring now to FIG. 3, exemplary environment 50 is shown. In exemplaryenvironment 50, electronic tags 52 are shown associated with items inthe environment. In the present configuration, BREM 12 is a portabledevice associated with body 54. Note that the exemplary BREM 12embodiment of the present invention comprises RFID STR 20, BREM computer18 and display 22 as separate components. It should be appreciated thatthe following discussion may be equally applicable to integrated systemssuch as BREM 14 and BREM 16. RFID STR 20 may be in communication withBREM computer 18 (not shown) through a wired or wireless communicationlink 21a (FIG. 1) using communication technologies such as Bluetooth andWi-Fi. Such wireless communications technologies are well known in theart. RFID STR 20 may be incorporated within a personal digital assistant56 (PDA), a cell phone 58 or some other portable computing device.

The electronic tags 52 may be attached directly to items as illustratedin FIG. 2. In this embodiment, the electronic tag 52 may be, forexample, adhesive backed labels or tags that are attached directly tothe items. Such electronic tag 52 may be attached to the items at theplace of manufacturer, by a retailer that sells the items, a user,persons in control of the environment or some other entity.

The product identification information stored in the electronic tag 52is not to be limited in scope, and may include, for example, informationidentifying the type of product, brand name of product, manufacturer ofthe product, etc. The type of product information stored in electronictag 52 should be adequate to correlate with various manners of listingitems. Items and associated electronic tags 52 depicted in exemplaryenvironment 50 include chair 60, microwave oven 62, computer 64, fireextinguisher 68, clock 70, exit sign 72, wall 74, light switch 76, desk78, mop 80, window 82 and phone 84. The information stored in electronictag 52 associated with microwave oven 62, for example, may include anEMI code as well as a warning code which may be used to warn body 54 ofpossible interference with electronic devices associated with body 54.The information stored in electronic tag 52 associated with mop 80 mayinclude a warning code that may be used to warn body 54 of a possiblewet floor. The electronic tag 52 associated with fire extinguisher 68may include location information informing body 54 that fireextinguisher 68 hangs on the other side of wall 74. The electronic tag52 associated with exit sign 72 may be used to inform body 54 of a wayout of a building, which may be particularly important in a smoke filledor poorly lit environment. Knowing the location of light switch 76 maybe useful when the lights in exemplary environment 50 are not on and theenvironment is dark. Knowing the location of all the items in exemplaryenvironment 50 may be of great assistance to a visually impaired body.Indeed, it should be clear to one of ordinary skill in the art thatexemplary BREM 12 according to aspects of the present invention giveseven the visually impaired body the ability to see in the dark, peeraround corners and look through walls (figuratively speaking).

Exemplary electronic tag and electronic tag reader/scanner technologyare now discussed in more detail. One smart tag 52 technology that maybe used is RFID smart tags. With conventional RFID “smart” systems, thesmart tags 52 are passive devices. Referring to FIG. 3, RFID STR 20 mayemit a trigger excitation signal 86 (not shown) that is received byinternal antenna in a smart tag 52. Alternatively, trigger excitationsignal 86 may be generated by transmitter 88. This excitation signal 86causes the smart tag 52 to generate and transmit signal 90, anelectromagnetic pulse of coded digital data containing the productidentification information. The coded signal 90 is received by the RFIDSTR 20, decoded and perhaps transmitted to BREM computer 18, remotecomputer 36 and/or display 22 in any number of ways.

RFID smart tag technology is known and understood by those skilled inthe art, and a detailed explanation thereof is not necessary forpurposes of describing the method and system according to the presentinvention. Generally, conductive or passive smart tags 52 consist ofsilicon or other semiconductors, a coiled, etched, or stamped antenna, acapacitor, and a substrate on which the components are mounted orembedded. A protective covering is typically used to encapsulate andseal the substrate. Inductive or passive smart tags have been introducedby Motorola under the name “BiStatix.” A detailed description of theBiStatix device may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,259,367 B1, incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. Another commercialsource of suitable smart tags is Alien Technology Corporation of MorganHill, Calif., under the technology name FSA (Fluidic Self-Assembly).With the FSA process, tiny semiconductor devices are assembled intorolls of flexible plastic. The resulting “smart” substrate can beattached or embedded in a variety of surfaces. The smart tag technologyunder development at the Auto-ID Center at Massachusetts Institute ofTechnology (Cambridge, Mass.) can also be used within the scope of thepresent invention. Further information on smart tags and relatedtechnology is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,451,154, “RFID ManufacturingConcepts,” issued Sep. 17, 2002 to Grabau et al.; U.S. Pat. No.6,354,493, “System and Method for Finding a Specific RFID Tagged ArticleLocated in a Plurality of RFID Tagged Articles,” issued Mar. 12, 2002 toMon; PCT publication WO 02/48955, published Jun. 20, 2002; U.S. Pat. No.6,362,738, “Reader for Use in a Radio Frequency Identification Systemand Method,” issued Mar. 26, 2002 to Vega; D. McFarlane, “Auto-ID BasedControl,” White Paper for the Auto-ID Centre Institute forManufacturing, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom, Feb.1, 2002, available atwww.autoidcenter.org/research/CAM-AUTOID-WH-004.pdf; and Chien Yaw Wong,“Integration of Auto-ID Tagging System with Holonic ManufacturingSystems,” White Paper for the Auto-ID Centre Institute forManufacturing, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom,September 2001, available atwww.autoidcenter.org/research/CAM-WH-001.pdf. Such references are herebyincorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all allowedpurposes.

Other RFID technologies believed to be of value for the presentinvention include those produced by Microchip Technologies (Chandler,Ariz.), which provides remote read-write chips at several frequencies.Also of potential value are the l*CODE chips and readers of PhilipsSemiconductor (Eindhoven, The Netherlands), which, in one embodiment,are said to include 384 bit configurable read/write memory with 64 bitsfor a unique serial number (e.g., an electronic product code). Sokymat(Lausanne, Switzerland) markets the PIC-COLO read-only RFID disc tagwhich transmits data to a reader station by an AM radio signal. The tagis said to have 64 bits of data that can be programmed duringmanufacture by laser fusing of polysilicon links in order to store aunique code on each tag.

Texas Instruments (Dallas, Tex.) offers RFID technology as part of TexasInstruments RFID (TI*RFID™) Systems, formerly known as the TIRIS™ system(Texas Instruments Registration and Identification System), which isused to track and identify various assets using devices such as the TITag It™ chip.

Gemplus (Gemenos, France) provides smart tags (sometimes called “smartlabels”) and smart cards employing RFID technology, which may be used assmart tags. They also market interfaces, antennas, scanners and softwarethat can be adapted for use with smart tags.

Nedap (Groenlo, The Netherlands) provides smart cards and a 13.56 MHzsmart tag using RFID technology with 512 bits of read-write memory and arange of about 120 cm. It is claimed that about 20 such tags per secondcan be read successfully by a scanner.

Checkpoint Systems Inc. (Miami, Fla.) offers a smart tag with WORMtechnology (write once, read many) One example is the MCRF355 chip,described more fully atwww.idsystems.com/reader/1999_(—)05/join0599.htm.

PDA-like reader systems and other portable readers for RFID technologyare marketed by Omron Company (Tokyo, Japan), such as the Model V700 orV720 series.

High frequency bands can be used in RFID technology, such as bandsbetween 300 MHz and 10 GHz. SCS Corporation (Rancho Bernardo, Calif.),for example, markets smart tag technology at 2.45 GHz. Ultra-wide bandtechnology can also be adapted for RFID systems.

A related technology within the scope of the present invention isSurface Acoustic Wave (SAW) technology. For example, InfoRay (Cambridge,Mass.) markets a passive smart tag that is said to achieve long ranges(up to 30 meters) using a Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) device on a chipcoupled with an antenna. The SAW device converts a radio signal to anacoustic wave, modulates it with an ID code, then transforms it toanother radio signal that is emitted by the smart tag and read by ascanner. The ID code of the smart tag is extracted from the radiosignal. The scanner is said to compare the spectral content of thesignal with a database of signatures to derive the ID code. This methodenables a read range of up to 30 m (typical 10-20 m). The system canoperate in the 915 MHz band and 2.45 GHz band. RFSAW, Inc. (Dallas,Tex.) also provides minute Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) RFID devices thatcan be used within the scope of the present invention.

The antenna embedded within the smart tags 52 is generally one componentof the device, though it is recognized that alternatives to antennas mayexist in some applications. For example, for some metallic objects, thesmart tag need not comprise an antenna but the metallic object itselfcan serve as the antenna. The excitation signal 86 from the RFID STR 52can be received by the antenna to “activate” the smart tag. The receivedexcitation signal 86 is the power source for the smart tag 52 andresults in the generation of the electromagnetic pulse containing thecoded product/item identification information signal 90. A detaileddescription of RFID smart tag antennas may be found in U.S. Pat. No.6,320,556 B1, incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

In an alternate embodiment, the smart tags 52 may be active devices. Inthis configuration, the smart tag 52 includes active transceivingcircuitry that has the capability to selectively respond to codedrequest signals transmitted by an RFID STR 52. The active smart tag 52may include the capability to delete its fixed code and receive new oradditional information beyond the information contained in its fixedcode. An active smart tag 52 requires an internal power supply, such asa micro-battery, thin film battery, or the like. Active tags 52 may bedesired in the scenarios wherein the tags 52 are mounted at storagelocations of particular products. In this way, as different products arestored at the respective locations, the smart tags 52 can be programmedaccordingly.

Examples of methodologies for using exemplary BREM systems 12, 14 and 16are depicted in high level block diagrams present in FIG. 4 through FIG.8. FIG. 4 depicts exemplary logic for tracking environmental-data. Suchan environmental-data tracking routine is ideally implemented insoftware executed by BREM computer 18. It should be appreciated,however, that any computer with access to communications link 29 may bethe computer executing the environmental-data tracking routine andhereafter such computer will simply be referred to as the “centralcomputer”. It should also be noted that the general goal of trackingenvironmental-data is to provide a means for determining the effects abody's environment has on the generation of such body's bio-readings asdetermined using bio-sensors. Thus, environmental-data and bio-sensordata should be stored in a manner that allows correlation in time (timesynchronization) between the two sets of data. Thus, environmental-dataand bio-sensor data (bio-reading data) are ideally stored in a memory,such as memory 17, so that the time such data was generated can beascertained. One exemplary method is to store such data in memory alongwith the time such data was recorded.

FIG. 4 depicts a high level block diagram describing an exemplaryEnvironmental-data Tracking routine. Step 200 marks the entry point intosuch routine. At step 202, the central computer listens for electronictag transmissions to determine if an electronic tag trigger signal, suchas trigger signal 86 (FIG. 2), should be transmitted by RFID STR 20associated with body 54. As previously noted, if a trigger signal hasalready been transmitted by transmitter 88, for example, or if activeelectronic tags are being used, there may be no need for RFID STR 20 towaste energy transmitting an additional trigger signal. Such a conditioncan be determined by first listening for electronic tag transmissions.If at step 204 no electronic tag transmissions are detected, programcontrol passes to step 206 and an electronic tag trigger signal is betransmitted. It should be appreciated that such transmission may bedelayed by a timing routine to prevent continuous transmissions or toofrequent transmissions.

If, however, at step 204 environmental data has been received, programcontrol passes to step 208. At step 208 such data is stored in a timedstamped memory, marked as “untracked” and marked as “pending”. Ideally,a non-volatile memory such as EEPROM or a hard drive type memory is usedto store such data. A volatile memory may also be used to store suchdata. The term “time-stamped memory” simply refers to some method ofmarking stored environmental-data so that the time the item (associatedwith such data) was encountered may be determined. The term “untracked”signifies that the environmental-data has not yet been determined to beworthy of being tracked. The term “pending” signifies that theenvironmental-data has not been evaluated to determine if suchenvironmental-data classification should be changed to “track”(described later).

Next, at step 210, the central computer determines if a trigger signalshould be transmitted based on predefined transmit-criteria. Exemplarytransmit-criteria may include any combination of: (1) periodically atset intervals; (2) periodically at random intervals; (3) upon manualrequest by a user; and (4) upon request automatically generated by acomputer. For example, if the central computer determines that all thereceived environmental-data has been transmitted by active electronictags, the central computer may request RFID STR 20 to transmit a triggersignal to check for passive tags that may be present. After step 210,program control loops back to step 202.

FIG. 5 presents an exemplary Environmental-data Evaluation routine wherestep 220 marks entry into such a routine. At step 222, the centralcomputer accesses environmental-data memory to check for storedenvironmental-data marked as pending. It should be appreciated that anycomputer with access to communications link 29 may be the computerexecuting environmental-data evaluation routine 220. Alternatively, theEnvironmental-data Evaluation routine may be incorporated into theEnvironmental-Data Tracking routine. As noted above, pendingenvironmental-data has not yet been evaluated to determine if such datais to be tracked. If at step 224 the central computer determines that nopending environmental-data exists in memory, program control loops backto step 222. If, however, at step 224 the central computer determinesthat pending environmental-data is stored in memory, program controlpasses to step 226 where the next environmental-data to be evaluated iscompared to predefined tracking-rules.

Tracking-rules are simply predefined rules that are used by the centralcomputer to determine if environmental-data should be tracked. Forexample, while shopping in a grocery store body 54 using BREM 12 maypass near 50 jar of jelly, all having electronic tags and transmittingenvironmental-data. It is unlikely that body 54 would need to track eachjar of jelly. Thus, a tracking-rule (in words, not code) may be asfollows: “If environmental data received for an item is substantiallyidentical to environmental data already recorded in the currentenvironment over a predefined interval of time, only track 1 such itemand maintain a counter value.” Using such a rule, for the above example,the environmental-data for the first jelly item would be tracked and acounter value would be maintained indicating how many jelly items werepresent. Alternatively, a user may wish to record the detection of onlyone jar of jelly (no counter) or simply ignore all such data.

One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that such tracking-rulesare likely to be quite diverse and body/user dependent, however, therewill likely be a set of default rules for tracking items. For example,the central computer may be configured to always trackenvironmental-data relating to the location of exit doors, safety itemssuch as fire extinguishers and known dangerous items such as firearms.

If at step 228 the environmental-data being evaluated is to be tracked,program control passes to step 230 where such environmental-data isreclassified as “tracked data” after which program control passes tostep 232. If, however, at step 228 the central computer determines thatthe environmental-data being evaluated is not to be tracked, programcontrol skips to step 232. At step 232, the environmental-data is markedas having been evaluated. Next, program control passes to step 234 wherean exemplary Item-Warning routine (described below) is executed. Whenprogram control returns from the Item-warning routine, an exemplaryBREM-alert routine (described below) is executed. When program controlreturns from the BREM-alert routine, program control passes to step 238where the central computer determines if any more environmental-data ispending evaluation. If pending environmental-data is located, programcontrol passes back to step 226. Otherwise, program control passes backto step 222.

It should be appreciated that, ideally, tracked and untrackedenvironmental-data will be stored in a memory for later review. One wayin which tracked environmental-data differs from untracked data is thattracked environmental-data is intended to be presented along withbio-sensor data upon user request (or automatically presented). As notedpreviously, such data may be presented to a user in any number of ways.Tracked and untracked environmental-data may be compressed and archivedas needed using well known programs designed for such functions.Notably, a review of untracked environmental-data may inspire thecreation of new rules based on environmental-data/bio-sensor datarelationships not previously appreciated. Such a review of untrackedenvironmental-data may useful, for example, in searching for anexplanation as to the cause of unusual bio-sensor data that has beenrecorded. As an alternative, particularly in systems with limitedmemory, untracked environmental-data may simply be discarded.

Attention is now directed to FIG. 6 and the exemplary Item-Warningroutine. The purpose of the Item-Warning routine is to warn a BREM 12user of a possible dangerous item or hazardous condition detected in theuser's environment. Such items may be electronic devices that generatestrong electromagnetic fields that can interfere with the properoperation of BREM 12 or other electronic items associated with body 54(such as a pacemaker). For example, warnings may be issued to warn auser of items as simple as a mop, which may indicate the possibility ofa wet floor. A BREM 12 user may be issued a warning where such warningcomprises a voice/text message consistent with the information on awarning sign. Such signs are well known and commonly used to provide avisual notification of a potentially dangerous environmental condition.Examples of such signs include wet floor, hot surface and slipperysurface, watch your head, watch your step, high voltage, etc. Similarly,warnings may be issued that are consistent with informative type signs,such as wet paint, do not touch, Library, Bathroom or no smoking.

Step 250 marks entry into an exemplary Item-Warning routine. At step252, environmental-data is compared to warning-criteria. If theenvironmental-data associated with an item in the user's environmentindicates that a user should be warned that such an item is in theuser's environment, a warning message is issued to the user.Warning-criteria may be any suitable criteria that the central computermay use to determine if a user should be warned of an environmental itemor situation. Thus, warning-criteria may simply be a list of item modelnumbers or general item descriptions (i.e. microwave). The warningmessage may be formatted in any number of ways and may include anycombination of the following: (1) a description of the item; (2) thelocation of the item; and (3) a description of the warning (warningmessage). Exemplary warning messages may include any combination of (1)a warning specific beep; (2) an audio voice message; (3) a flashinglight; (3) a message displayed on a display; and (4) a message printedin Braille. Also, the warning-criteria and the location of the item thatcaused the warning to be issued may be recorded for future reference.Storing previous warnings and information describing the items thatcaused such warnings and the item's location provides for the ability towarn a user of a possibly dangerous location before the user enters suchlocation. It should be appreciated that warnings my also be transmittedto a remote computer.

Referring now to FIG. 7, an exemplary BREM-alert routine is illustratedwhere step 260 marks the entry into the routine. Generally speaking, aBREM-alert is a transmission sent to a remote party. Such transmissionmay indicate, for example, an emergency condition exists that threatensthe well being of a body associated with BREM 12. At step 262,environmental-data is compared to BREM-alert criteria. BREM-alertcriteria are any suitable criteria a computer may use to determine if analert condition exists, particularly emergency conditions. For example,if a person is knocked out, passes out or otherwise becomesincapacitated, such a person's environmental-data will remain relativelyconstant (depending on the environment). Thus, exemplary BREM-alertcriteria may include the following: “If environmental-data is remains95% constant in a non-exempt location, initiate a BREM-alert”. Anexample of an exempt location might be a couch in a person's livingroom. At step 264 the central computer determines if the currentenvironment-data meets any BREM-alert criteria in a predefinedBREM-alert criteria list. If the central computer determines that noalert condition exists, program control returns to the calling routine(Environmental-data Evaluation Routine for this embodiment). If,however, the central computer determines that a BREM-alert should beissued, program control is transferred to step 266. At step 266, a countdown timer is initialized to a predefined value, such as 60 seconds.Program control then continues to step 268 where the user is warned of apending BREM-alert transmission, the countdown timer value is presentedand the user is given the opportunity to cancel the BREM-alerttransmission during the timed period. Such information may be displayed,for example, on displayed 22. At step 270, the central computerdetermines if the BREM-alert has been aborted, and if so, programcontrol returns to the calling routine. If, however, the BREM-alert hasnot been aborted, program control transfers to step 272 and the centralcomputer checks to see if the countdown timer has expired. If thecountdown timer has not expired, program control returns to step 268 andthe BREM-alert notification information presented to the user may beupdated (for example, updating the countdown timer value). If however,the countdown timer value has expired, program control jumps to step 274and a BREM-alert is transmitted to the appropriated entity (i.e. a firedepartment, police department and/or emergency medical servicepersonnel, a remote computer, etc.). The user may also be notified thatthe BREM-alert transmission has been transmitted and display on display22 the status of any response. Such a response may be a messageindicating that the police have been notified and the estimated time ofarrival is 10 minutes.

Attention now is directed to FIG. 8 which depicts an exemplaryAuto-Configuration routine. The purpose of the auto-configurationroutine is to automatically configure a BREM 12 system to generatedproperly formatted treatment-signals required to accurately communicatewith a treatment controller, such as a pharmaceutical treatment controlsystem (i.e. drug delivery system) or a therapeutic control system (suchas air conditioning systems, bed positioning systems, etc.). Aspreviously noted, treatment-signals typically must be preciselyformatted to communicate accurately with a treatment control system.Treatment-signal formatting criteria may be provided in the form of atreatment-controller driver file. For BREM 12 to auto-configure itstreatment-signal generation means, BREM 12 requires information(identification information would be particularly useful) about the typeof treatment-controllers located in the BREM 12 user's environment. Theauto-configuration routine first determines the treatment controllerspresent in a user's environment (perhaps using environmental-dataretrieved by RFID STR 20). With such information, the auto-configurationroutine automatically retrieves the treatment-controller driver file(s)necessary to format treatment-signals to correctly communicate andcontrol a treatment control system.

Step 280 marks entry into the auto-configuration routine. At step 282,the central computer retrieves treatment-control-system-information.Such treatment-control-system-information may include the necessarytreatment-signal criteria requirements or may simply betreatment-controller identification information. The central computermay retrieve treatment-control-system-information using an electronictag scanning device, such as RFID STR 20. Alternatively, the centralcomputer may communicate directly with the treatment-controller usingwireless communication technology such as Wi-Fi. At step 284 the centralcomputer compares the retrieved treatment-control-system-informationwith the current treatment-controller information for which BREM 12 hadbeen previously configured. If the central computer determines thereceived treatment-control-system-information is different from thecurrent treatment-controller information, the central computer obtainsnew treatment-signal criteria and reconfigures BREM 12 to use the newtreatment-signal criteria (step 286). The central computer may obtainnew treatment-signal criteria by accessing a remote computer or a localmemory associated with BREM 12. One exemplary local memory would beEEPROM memory.

If, however, at step 284, the receivedtreatment-control-system-information is the same as the currenttreatment-controller information, program control simply jumps to step288. At step 288 a test command may be sent to the controller to helpverify proper BREM 12 configuration. Such a step is optional butrecommended. At step 290 the central computer determines if the testcommand was successful (automatically if two-way communication ispossible). If the command was not successful, program control passes tostep 292 and the user is warned of a configuration error. Otherwise,program control simply returns to the calling routine.

While the present subject matter has been described in detail withrespect to specific embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated thatthose skilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding of theforegoing may readily adapt the present technology for alterations to,variations of, and equivalents to such embodiments. Accordingly, thescope of the present disclosure is by way of example rather than by wayof limitation, and the subject disclosure does not preclude inclusion ofsuch modifications, variations, and/or additions to the present subjectmatter as would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.

It should also be appreciated that the system and method according tothe invention are not limited to any particular type of commercial ormarket scenario, but have application wherever consumer goods orproducts are typically purchased in accordance with a predefined orpredetermined list of such products.

What is claimed is:
 1. A body and environment monitoring systemcomprising: at least one bio-sensor associated with a body andconfigured to generate sensor-data related to at least onebody-parameter; a first computer in communication with said at least onebio-sensor and configured to retrieve sensor-data from said at least onebio-sensor; at least one electronic tag scanning device configured toretrieve environmental-data stored in electronic tags associated withitems in an environment wherein said at least one electronic tagscanning device is one of (a) adapted to be mounted on said body, (b)adapted to be attached to said body and (c) adapted to be carried bysaid body, said electronic tags remaining with their respectiveassociated item within the environment such that said electronic tagscanning device retrieves the environmental-data when the monitored bodycomes within a predetermined range of said electronic tags, said storedenvironmental data relating to a characteristic of the associated itemthat is relevant to interpretation of the bio-sensor data; and memoryfor storing at least one of said sensor-data and said environmental-dataand wherein said memory is at least one of a volatile memory and anon-volatile memory.
 2. A body and environment monitoring system as inclaim 1, wherein said environmental-data is at least one member from thegroup consisting of: (1) EMI Code; (2) item identification number; (3)item model number; (4) warning code; (5) room code; (6) floor code; (7)building code; (8) vehicle code; (9) meal code and (10) nutrition code.3. A body and environment monitoring system as in claim 1, wherein saidfirst computer is configured to generate at least one of therapeutictreatment-signals and pharmaceutical treatment-signals when a monitoredbody-parameter meets predefined treatment-criteria.
 4. A body andenvironment monitoring system as in claim 3, wherein said at least oneelectronic tag scanning device is further configured to communicate withsaid first computer and to transfer at least part of saidenvironmental-data to said first computer; and wherein said firstcomputer is further configured to automatically determine the propertreatment-signal format using at least part of said environmental-datareceived from an electronic tag associated with a treatment-controlsystem.
 5. A body and environment monitoring system as in claim 1,wherein said first computer is configured to: communicate with said atleast one electronic tag scanning device; monitor saidenvironmental-data and compare said environmental-data to predefinedwarning-criteria; issue a warning message when monitoredenvironmental-data meets predefined warning-criteria; and wherein saidwarning message is issued to a local electronic device.
 6. A body andenvironment monitoring system as in claim 5, wherein said first computeris configured to communicate with a remote computer and wherein saidwarning message is transmitted to said remote computer over at least oneof a wired or wireless communications link.
 7. A body and environmentmonitoring system as in claim 6, further comprising a display andwherein said warning message is at least one member from the groupconsisting of: (1) warning specific beep; (2) audio voice message; (3)flashing light; (3) message displayed on said display; (4) a tactilesignal; (5) a mechanical vibration; and (4) message printed in Braille.8. A body and environment monitoring system as in claim 7, wherein saidfirst computer is further configured to accumulate reference data.
 9. Abody and environment monitoring system as in claim 8, wherein saiddisplay is configured to display at least one of said sensor-data, saidenvironmental-data, said warning criteria and said reference data.
 10. Abody and environment monitoring system as in claim 1, wherein said firstcomputer is configured to: communicate with said at least one electronictag scanning device; communicate with a remote computer; monitor saidenvironmental-data and compare said environmental-data to predefinedBREM-alert-criteria; issue a BREM-alert when monitoredenvironmental-data meets predefined BREM-alert-criteria; and whereinsaid BREM-alert is issued to at least one of a local electronic deviceand a remote computer.
 11. A body and environment monitoring system asin claim 10, wherein said first computer issues a timed warning messageinforming a user of a pending BREM-alert transmission and providing saiduser the opportunity to cancel said BREM-alert transmission.
 12. A bodyand environment monitoring system as in claim 1, wherein a warningmessage is issued when environmental-data is detected by said least oneelectronic tag scanning device that meets predefined warning-criteria.13. A body and environment monitoring system as in claim 12, furthercomprising a display configured to display at least one of saidsensor-data, processed sensor-data, said environmental-data, processedenvironmental-data, said predefined warning-criteria and said warningmessage.
 14. A body and environment monitoring system as in claim 13,wherein said warning message is at least one member from the groupconsisting of: (1) warning specific beep; (2) audio message; (3)flashing light; (3) message displayed on said display; and (4) messageprinted in Braille.
 15. A body and environment monitoring system as inclaim 1, wherein said body is a human body.
 16. A body and environmentmonitoring system as in claim 15, wherein said at least onebody-parameter is at least one member from the group consisting of: (1)body temperature; (2) blood pressure; (3) heart rate; (4) blood sugarlevel; (5) blood oxygen level; (6) cholesterol level; (7) respirationrate; (8) hormone level; (9) galvanic skin response; (10) EMG; (11) EEG;(12) EOG; (13) body fat; (14) hydration level (15) activity level; (16)body position; (17) UV radiation exposure; and (18) UV radiationabsorption.
 17. A body and environment monitoring system as in claim 1,wherein said at least one electronic tag scanning device is an RFID STRdevice and wherein said electronic tag is an RFID smart tag.
 18. A bodyand environment monitoring system as in claim 17, wherein said RFID STRdevice is configured to listen for RFID smart tag signals and totransmit a RFID smart tag trigger signal when no RFID smart tag signalsare detected.
 19. A body and environment monitoring system as in claim18, further comprising a display configured to display informationreceived from at least one of said first computer and said REID STRdevice.
 20. A body and environment monitoring system as in claim 19,wherein said display is further configured to display at least part ofsaid sensor-data, wherein said sensor-data is at least one of real-time,near real-time data, processed sensor-data and unprocessed sensor-data.21. A body and environment monitoring system as in claim 1, wherein saidfirst computer is in wireless communication with a remote computer andwherein said remote computer is connected to at least one of a localarea network and a wide area network.
 22. A monitoring systemcomprising: at least one electronic tag scanning device configured totransmit an electronic tag trigger signal and to receive electronic tagtransmissions; a first computer in communication with at least oneelectronic tag scanning device and configured to use said at least oneelectronic tag scanning device to retrieve environmental-data stored inelectronic tags associated with items within an environment; memory incommunication with said first computer wherein said memory is at leastone of a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory; wherein said firstcomputer stores retrieved environmental-data in said memory; whereinsaid first computer is further configured to use said at least oneelectronic tag scanning device to transmit an electronic tag triggersignal when a predefined amount of time elapses without a validelectronic tag transmission being received containing validenvironmental-data; wherein said first computer and said at least oneelectronic tag scanning device is at least one of (a) mounted on a body,(b) attached to a body, and (c) carried by a body; and at least onebio-sensor associated with a body and configured to generate sensor-datafor at least one body-parameter, said first computer is in communicationwith said at least one bio-sensor and configured to retrieve sensor-datafrom said at least one bio-sensor and to store said sensor-data in saidmemory, said electronic tags remaining with their respective associateditem within the environment such that said electronic tag scanningdevice retrieves the environmental-data upon coming within apredetermined range of said electronic tags, said stored environmentaldata relating to a characteristic of the associated item that isrelevant to interpretation of the bio-sensor data.
 23. A monitoringsystem as in claim 22, wherein said at least one electronic tag scanningdevice is an REID STR device and wherein said electronic tag is an RFIDsmart tag.
 24. A monitoring system as in claim 23, wherein saidenvironmental-data is at least one member from the group consisting of:(1) EMI Code; (2) item identification number; (3) item model number; (4)warning code; (5) room code; (6) floor code; (7) building code; (8)vehicle code; (9) meal code and (10) nutrition code.
 25. A monitoringsystem as in claim 22, wherein said first computer is in communicationwith a remote computer.
 26. A monitoring system as in claim 25, whereinsaid first computer is further configured to use said at least oneelectronic tag scanning device to transmit an electronic tag triggersignal according to transmit-criteria where said transmit-criteria is atleast one member from the group consisting of: (1) periodically at setintervals; (2) periodically at random intervals; (3) upon manual requestby a user; and (4) automatic request issued by said remote computer. 27.A monitoring system as in claim 22, wherein said first computer issues awarning message when retrieved environmental-data meets predefinedwarning-criteria.
 28. A monitoring system as in claim 27, wherein saidfirst computer is further configured to communicate with a remotecomputer and wherein said warning message is transmitted to said remotecomputer.
 29. A monitoring system as in claim 27, further comprising adisplay in communication with said first computer and configured todisplay at least one of said environmental data and said warningmessage.
 30. A monitoring system as in claim 29, wherein said display isat least one member from the group consisting of: (a) a displayassociated with a personal digital assistant; (b) LCD display associatedwith a watch; (c) a segmented display associated with a watch; (d) anLCD display associates with said first computer; (e) video-enabledglasses; (f) video-enabled goggles; (g) video-enabled helmets; (h)video-enabled room; and (i) video-enabled transparent surface.
 31. Amonitoring system as in claim 22, wherein said first computer isconfigured to automatically transmit treatment-signals when a monitoredbody-parameter meets predefined treatment-criteria.
 32. A monitoringsystem as in claim 31, wherein said first computer is further configuredto automatically format said treatment-signals based onenvironmental-data retrieved from electronic tags associated with atreatment control system near said body.
 33. A monitoring system as inclaim 32, wherein said first computer is further configured toaccumulate reference data and wherein said display is further configuredto display at least one of said reference data, said environmental-data,real-time sensor-data, near real-time sensor-data, processed sensor-dataand unprocessed sensor-data.
 34. A body and environment monitoringsystem as in claim 33, wherein said sensor data is transmitted to aremote computer.
 35. A body and environment monitoring systemcomprising: at least one bio-sensor associated with a body andconfigured to generate sensor-data for at least one body-parameter; atleast one electronic tag scanning device associated with said body andconfigured to receive electronic tag transmissions comprisingenvironmental-data stored in electronic tags associated with items in anenvironment, said electronic tags remaining with their respectiveassociated item within the environment such that said electronic tagscanning device retrieves the environmental-data when the monitored bodycomes within a predetermined range of said electronic tags, said storedenvironmental data relating to a characteristic of the associated itemthat is relevant to interpretation of the bio-sensor data; a firstcomputer associated with said body and in communication with said atleast one bio-sensor and said at least one electronic tag scanningdevice; said first computer configured to receive said sensor-data andsaid environmental-data; and a memory in communication with said firstcomputer wherein said memory is configured to store said sensor-data andsaid environmental-data.
 36. A body monitoring system as in claim 35,said first computer further configured to generate treatment-signals andto transmit said treatment-signals to a treatment control system whensaid first computer determines that a body-parameter meets predefinedtreatment-criteria; and said first computer further configured toautomatically determine the proper treatment-signal format based atleast in part on at least one of said environmental-data andtreatment-control-system-information retrieved from said treatmentcontrol system.
 37. A body monitoring system as in claim 36, whereinsaid treatment control system is at least one of a pharmaceuticaltreatment control system and a therapeutic treatment control system. 38.A body monitoring system as in claim 37, wherein said treatment-signalis transmitted over at least one of a wired or wireless communicationlink.
 39. A body monitoring system as in claim 35, wherein said at leastone electronic tag scanning device is an RFID STR device and whereinsaid electronic tag is an REID smart tag.
 40. A body and environmentmonitoring system, comprising: a bio-sensor associated with a body andconfigured to generate sensor-data related to a body-parameter; a firstcomputer in communication with the bio-sensor and configured to retrievesensor-data from the bio-sensor, communicate with the electronic tagscanning device, monitor the environmental-data and compare theenvironmental-data to predefined warning-criteria, and issue a warningmessage when monitored environmental-data meets predefinedwarning-criteria wherein the warning message is issued to a localelectronic device; and an electronic tag scanning device configured toretrieve environmental-data stored in electronic tags associated withitems in an environment wherein the electronic tag scanning device isone of (a) adapted to be mounted on the body, (b) adapted to be attachedto the body, or (c) adapted to be carried by the body, the electronictags remaining with their respective associated item within theenvironment such that the electronic tag scanning device retrieves theenvironmental-data when the monitored body comes within a predeterminedrange of the electronic tags, the stored environmental data relating toa characteristic of the associated item that is relevant tointerpretation of the bio-sensor data.
 41. A body and environmentmonitoring system as in claim 40, wherein the first computer isconfigured to communicate with a remote computer and wherein the warningmessage is transmitted to the remote computer via a communications link.42. A body and environment monitoring system as in claim 41, furthercomprising a display wherein the warning message is at least one of: (1)warning specific beep; (2) audio voice message; (3) flashing light; (4)a message displayed on the display; (5) a tactile signal; (6) amechanical vibration; or (7) a message printed in Braille.
 43. A bodyand environment monitoring system as in claim 42, wherein the firstcomputer is further configured to accumulate reference data.
 44. A bodyand environment monitoring system as in claim 43, wherein the display isconfigured to display at least one of the sensor-data, theenvironmental-data, the warning criteria or the reference data.
 45. Abody and environment monitoring system as in claim 40, wherein the firstcomputer is configured to: communicate with the electronic tag scanningdevice; communicate with a remote computer; monitor theenvironmental-data and compare the environmental-data to predefinedBREM-alert-criteria; issue a BREM-alert when monitoredenvironmental-data meets predefined BREM-alert-criteria; and wherein theBREM-alert is issued to at least one of a local electronic device or aremote computer.
 46. A body and environment monitoring system as inclaim 45, wherein the first computer issues a timed warning messageinforming a user of a pending BREM-alert transmission and providing theuser the opportunity to cancel the BREM-alert transmission.
 47. A bodyand environment monitoring system as in claim 40, wherein a warningmessage is issued when environmental-data is detected by the electronictag scanning device that meets predefined warning-criteria.
 48. A bodyand environment monitoring system as in claim 47, further comprising adisplay configured to display at least one of the sensor-data, processedsensor-data, the environmental-data, processed environmental-data, thepredefined warning-criteria or the warning message.
 49. A body andenvironment monitoring system as in claim 48, wherein the warningmessage is one or more of: (1) a warning specific beep; (2) an audiomessage; (3) a flashing light; (4) a message displayed on the display;or (5) a message printed in Braille.
 50. A body and environmentmonitoring system as in claim 40, wherein the electronic tag scanningdevice is an RFID STR device and the electronic tag is an RFID smarttag.
 51. A body and environment monitoring system as in claim 50,wherein the RFID STR device is configured to listen for RFID smart tagsignals and to transmit a RFID smart tag trigger signal when no RFIDsmart tag signal is detected.
 52. A body and environment monitoringsystem as in claim 51, further comprising a display configured todisplay information received from at least one of the first computer orthe RFID STR device.
 53. A body and environment monitoring system as inclaim 52, wherein the display is further configured to display at leastpart of the sensor-data, wherein the sensor-data is at least one ofreal-time, near real-time data, processed sensor-data or unprocessedsensor-data.
 54. A body and environment monitoring system as in claim40, wherein the first computer is in wireless communication with aremote computer and wherein the remote computer is connected to at leastone of a local area network or a wide area network.
 55. A monitoringsystem, comprising: at least one electronic tag scanning deviceconfigured to transmit an electronic tag trigger signal and to receiveelectronic tag transmissions; a first computer in communication with atleast one electronic tag scanning device and configured to use said atleast one electronic tag scanning device to retrieve environmental-datastored in electronic tags associated with items within an environment,wherein the electronic tag scanning device is an RFID STR device andwherein the electronic tag is an RFID smart tag; wherein said firstcomputer stores retrieved environmental-data in a memory; wherein saidfirst computer is further configured to use said at least one electronictag scanning device to transmit an electronic tag trigger signal when apredefined amount of time elapses without a valid electronic tagtransmission being received containing valid environmental-data; whereinsaid first computer and said at least one electronic tag scanning deviceis at least one of (a) mounted on a body, (b) attached to a body, and(c) carried by a body; and at least one bio-sensor associated with abody and configured to generate sensor-data for at least onebody-parameter, said first computer is in communication with said atleast one bio-sensor and configured to retrieve sensor-data from said atleast one bio-sensor and to store said sensor-data in said memory, saidelectronic tags remaining with their respective associated item withinthe environment such that said electronic tag scanning device retrievesthe environmental-data upon coming within a predetermined range of saidelectronic tags, said stored environmental data relating to acharacteristic of the associated item that is relevant to interpretationof the bio-sensor data.
 56. A monitoring system as in claim 55, whereinthe environmental-data is at least one of: (1) an EMI Code; (2) an itemidentification number; (3) an item model number; (4) a warning code; (5)a room code; (6) a floor code; (7) a building code; (8) a vehicle code;(9) a meal code; or (10) a nutrition code.
 57. A monitoring system as inclaim 55, wherein the first computer is configured to issue a warningmessage when retrieved environmental-data meets predefinedwarning-criteria.
 58. A monitoring system as in claim 57, wherein thefirst computer is further configured to communicate with a remotecomputer and wherein the warning message is transmitted to the remotecomputer.
 59. A monitoring system as in claim 57, further comprising adisplay in communication with the first computer and configured todisplay at least one of the environmental data and the warning message.60. A monitoring system as in claim 59, wherein the display is at leastone of: (a) a display associated with a personal digital assistant; (b)a LCD display associated with a watch; (c) a segmented displayassociated with a watch; (d) an LCD display associates with the firstcomputer; (e) video-enabled glasses; (f) video-enabled goggles; (g)video-enabled helmets; (h) a video-enabled room; or (i) a video-enabledtransparent surface.
 61. A body and environment monitoring system,comprising: a bio-sensor associated with a body and configured togenerate sensor-data for at least one body-parameter; an electronic tagscanning device associated with the body and configured to receiveelectronic tag transmissions comprising environmental-data stored inelectronic tags associated with items in an environment, the electronictags remaining with their respective associated item within theenvironment such that the electronic tag scanning device retrieves theenvironmental-data when the monitored body comes within a predeterminedrange of the electronic tags, the stored environmental data relating toa characteristic of the associated item that is relevant tointerpretation of the bio-sensor data; a first computer associated withthe body and configured to retrieve the sensor-data from the bio-sensorand the environmental-data from the electronic tag scanning device; amemory for storing the bio-sensor data and the environmental-data;wherein the combination of the first computer the at least onebio-sensor and at least one electronic tag scanning device comprise abody-monitor device; a first network operating in accordance with apredetermined protocol; a second network comprising a plurality of thebody-monitor devices; a gateway operatively coupled to the first networkand to the second network; and an HTTP server embedded in one of thegateway and the body-monitor devices.
 62. A body and environmentmonitoring system as in claim 61, wherein the electronic tag scanningdevice is configured to transmit a trigger signal if no electronic tagtransmissions are received during a predetermined amount of time.
 63. Abody and environment monitoring system as in claim 61, where in theelectronic tag scanning device is an RFID STR device.
 64. A body andenvironment monitoring system as in claim 63, wherein the first computeris further configured to: issue a warning message when theenvironmental-data meets predefined warning-criteria; and issue aBREM-alert when the environmental-data meets predefinedBREM-alert-criteria.
 65. A body and environment monitoring system as inclaim 64, further comprising a display wherein the display is configuredto display at least one of the sensor-data, the environmental-data, thewarning message and the BREM-alert.